Chapter Trans 512

Chapter Trans 512

TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE LOAN PROGRAM

Trans 512.01   Purpose and scope.

Trans 512.02   Definitions.

Trans 512.03   Application procedure.

Trans 512.04   Screening criteria.

Trans 512.05   Evaluation criteria.

Trans 512.06   Agreements.

Trans 512.07   Reporting.

Ch. Trans 512 Note Note: Chapter Trans 512 was created as an emergency rule effective January 5, 1998.

Trans 512.01 Trans 512.01 Purpose and scope.

Trans 512.01(1) (1) The purpose of this chapter is to establish a procedure for the administration of the transportation infrastructure loan program as provided in s. 85.52, Stats.

Trans 512.01(2) (2) The objective of the transportation infrastructure loan program is to establish a revolving loan fund, loan guarantees, interest rate subsidies, lease buy-back options and other financial leveraging instruments to assist communities in providing for transportation infrastructure and capital improvements to preserve, promote and encourage economic development, or to improve and promote local and regional transportation efficiencies and mobility for Wisconsin communities.

Trans 512.01(3) (3) The department shall create within the transportation infrastructure bank a separate account to be designated as the highway account and a separate account to be designated as the transit account, each of which shall be designated solely to providing loans and other forms of financial assistance consistent with the national highway system designation act of 1995, P.L. 104-59 and s. 85.52, Stats.

Trans 512.01 History History: Cr. Register, June, 1998, No. 510, eff. 7-1-98.

Trans 512.02 Trans 512.02 Definitions. The words and phrases defined in ss. 85.52 and 340.01, Stats., have the same meaning in this chapter unless a different definition is specifically provided. In this chapter:

Trans 512.02(1) (1) ‘‘Economic development” means any of the following:

Trans 512.02(1)(a) (a) Retention or creation of jobs in the state.

Trans 512.02(1)(b) (b) Significant capital investment.

Trans 512.02(1)(c) (c) Increased competitiveness of a Wisconsin business leading to increased sales or profits and significant contribution to the economy of this state.

Trans 512.02(2) (2) ‘‘Eligible applicant” means a county, city, village or town, Amtrak, as defined in s. 85.061 (1), Stats., a railroad as defined in s. 85.01 (5), Stats., a private nonprofit organization that is an eligible applicant under s. 85.22 (2) (am), Stats., or a transit commission created under s. 59.58 (2) or 66.1021, Stats.

Trans 512.02(3) (3) ‘‘Mobility” means the efficient movement of people and commodities by various transportation and carrier modes.

Trans 512.02(4) (4) ‘‘Project” means a state infrastructure bank project eligible under s. 85.52, Stats., and P.L. 104-59 section 350, 109 Stat. 618-622.

Trans 512.02(5) (5) ‘‘Transportation efficiency” means an infrastructure or mobility improvement which does any of the following:

Trans 512.02(5)(a) (a) Increases traffic mobility.

Trans 512.02(5)(b) (b) Reduces traffic congestion.

Trans 512.02(5)(c) (c) Reduces travel time.

Trans 512.02(5)(d) (d) Reduces travel distance.

Trans 512.02(5)(e) (e) Improves accessibility.

Trans 512.02(5)(f) (f) Increases traffic circulation.

Trans 512.02(5)(g) (g) Improves geometrics.

Trans 512.02(5)(h) (h) Improves comfort and rideability of travelers.

Trans 512.02(5)(i) (i) Increases mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities as defined in s. 85.22 (2), Stats.

Trans 512.02(5)(j) (j) Improves safety.

Trans 512.02(5)(k) (k) Improves air quality.

Trans 512.02 History History: Cr. Register, June, 1998, No. 510, eff. 7-1-98; correction in (2) made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 7., Stats., Register November 2009 No. 647.

Trans 512.03 Trans 512.03 Application procedure. Eligible applicants under this chapter may make application to the department at any time for funding. Application and funding cycles shall be established and publicly announced by the department. An application under this chapter shall be in a form as the department may require.

Trans 512.03 Note Note: Applicants may obtain an application and program packet by contacting the department website or the Economic Development Section Chief, Bureau of Planning and Economic Development, Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Madison, WI 53707.

Trans 512.03 History History: Cr. Register, June, 1998, No. 510, eff. 7-1-98; CR 22-048: am. (5) (i) Register July 2023 No. 811, eff. 8-1-23.

Trans 512.04 Trans 512.04 Screening criteria. Applications that meet the following screening criteria shall be evaluated for funding eligibility:

Trans 512.04(1) (1) Whether the applicant is eligible.

Trans 512.04(2) (2) Whether the project is eligible under P.L. 104-59 section 350, 109 Stat. 618-622.

Trans 512.04(3) (3) Whether the applicant has the committed financial resources to complete the project.

Trans 512.04(4) (4) Whether the project will be for a public purpose.

Trans 512.04(5) (5) Whether the applicant certifies that funds from a loan under this chapter may not be used to pay overhead costs, replace funds from another source or refinance an existing debt.

Trans 512.04 History History: Cr. Register, June, 1998, No. 510, eff. 7-1-98.

Trans 512.05 Trans 512.05 Evaluation criteria. The department shall evaluate and rank the applications that are eligible for funding according to the following criteria:

Trans 512.05(1) (1) Whether the project represents a prudent and productive investment of public funds.

Trans 512.05(2) (2) The extent to which the project furthers economic development.

Trans 512.05(3) (3) Whether the project is compatible and complementary to other intermodal transportation facilities.

Trans 512.05(4) (4) Whether the project improves transportation efficiency and mobility.

Trans 512.05(5) (5) Whether the project accelerates the completion of a major highway project under s. 84.013, Stats.

Trans 512.05(6) (6) The degree to which the loan leverages other financial resources.

Trans 512.05(7) (7) Whether the project can be completed in a timely manner.

Trans 512.05(8) (8) The financial viability of the project.

Trans 512.05(9) (9) The security of any repayment stream.

Trans 512.05 History History: Cr. Register, June, 1998, No. 510, eff. 7-1-98.